The United States' attention has been focused anew on the Indian Ocean area because of the buildup of the Russian Navy and the regular appearance of Soviet naval vessels in the region. Questions are raised concerning the nature and consequence of the Soviet presence. Attitudes of the littoral states are examined and their impact on possible US courses of action. The principal problem concerns how to inhibit a Soviet hegemony in the area which might, in time, affect the central balance of power adversely to American interests. Information and data were collected from American, British, and SEATO sources.